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====== First Use ======

Once OpenCPN is installed and you start the program for the first time this message greets you. Please remember what you agree to when clicking OK.\\
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Next OpenCPN prompts you to install charts.\\
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And sends you to "Options" to do so. Click on the Charts tab, to install charts. Read all about installing charts in //[[:opencpn:opencpn_user_manual:getting_started:chart_installation|]]// \\
If you're not quite ready to install yet just click "OK" in the Options dialog.\\
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The worldwide background Map will greet you.\\
From here explore the different features in OpenCPN by clicking around, or read on…\\
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===== IMPORTANT NEXT STEPS =====

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**Getting started using OpenCPN consists of 3 basic steps:**

   - //[[:opencpn:opencpn_user_manual:getting_started:chart_installation|]]// of Charts to be read by OpenCPN (OpenCPN does not include charts)
  - //[[:opencpn:opencpn_user_manual:charts|Charts]]// Basic Features - Main Source for using charts
  - //[[:opencpn:opencpn_user_manual:getting_started:gps_setup|]]// to communicate with your computer and OpenCPN (Optional, but very useful)
Completing these 3 steps will get you started and allow you to check out the program. \\  

If you still have questions  there is a large supportive OpenCPN community in this [[https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/|Cruisers Forum]].

